The ABC network sued the Federal Communications Commission in federal court Tuesday in a case with major First Amendment implications, arguing that the Trump administration has violated its free speech rights by launching investigations and challenging its broadcast licenses in retaliation for its news coverage, late-night satire and views on talk shows.ABC and its corporate parent, the Walt Disney Co., allege that the FCC has taken these actions to appease President Trump, who has repeatedly called for the network to be stripped of its licenses in response to material which has sparked his ire.The network's lawsuit cites Trump's own social media posts which condemn ABC's news coverage, its talk show The View and late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel — who has frequently mocked the president.The lawsuit starts: "Government censorship is deeply un-American."It goes on to note that, in the words of a recent unanimous U.S.Supreme Court decision involving the National Rifle Association, the government may not "use the power of the State to punish or suppress disfavored expression.""This case concerns the Administration's sustained effort to do just that," the ABC/Disney lawsuit argues.
"The Administration has waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for a single reason: it disapproves of what ABC broadcasts."ABC and Disney own eight local TV stations which beam out the national network's shows and local programming in specific regions.Among them are stations in six of the nation's largest markets, which contribute significantly to ABC's bottom line.
They require federal licenses because they rely on the public airwaves.The FCC forced all eight of them to undergo early scrutiny of the renewal process of the licenses, years ahead of schedule.
It's an essentially unprecedented move in the modern era.The FCC and its chief, Brendan Carr, did not immediately comment on the suit.The commission has historically acted in a quasi-independent role from presidential administration...